Do you think that fine arts degree is a waste of time?

82% Normal
6 Comments

I am currently an art student in college who is going into the Fine ARts. I really do love art, but after this year I feel that to be in the art world you have to have connections to be known and have a decent living. I am considering double majoring in something else or just switch my my major overall. Is it normal to be worried about my future $ prospects?

Voting Results
82% Normal
Based on 97 votes (80 yes)
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Comments ( 6 )
  • Mel
    13 years ago

    The exact reason why I gave up on my degree in Fine Arts. Totally normal to think this way...the saying "starving artist" is true. Its VERY hard to make good money being an artist, unless you are extremely unique & become famous. You dont NEED a degree to "make it" as an artist either. So in my opinion, getting an education in it is pointless. Either you have talent, or you dont. Id say get a degree in something thats going to help you showcase your talent...for example, if youd like to open a fine art studio showing your work... Then get a degree in business, & learn how to own a store/gallery. Know what Im saying???

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  • disthing
    12 years ago

    Art Degrees at University / College provide you with 3 or 4 years of being surrounded by other arty people, studio space, the opportunity to exhibit and make industry connections. So the value of the qualification at the end of it isn't great because you don't need an amazing CV to sell a painting, but the actual experience during the study can be very useful.

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  • rexdarling
    12 years ago

    Did you consider getting a second degree in education?

    I was faced with the same problem in college and opted to double major in Fine Art and Secondary Education. I've been a middle school art teacher for 3 years now and I still like it. I don't make a killing in my profession, but it's enough to live comfortably. The only down side as an artist is that you don't get a lot of time for your personal artwork. To help relieve that, I spend summers and other times of vacation for producing my work.

    Best of luck to you! Just try to arrive at a decision that is economically viable AND will make you HAPPY - which you may find to be just as important.

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  • [Old Memory]
    11 years ago

    I've studied art at Uni, and I'm in my Honours year & will graduate 2013. Sure I could have learned everything I know and more from the internet, which is a much cheaper option, but now I have the qualification for my whole life, which is going to give me a head start into getting into bigger and better things. Jobs, Universities overseas & down south...etc.

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  • FocoUS
    12 years ago

    IT DEPENDS ON THE SCHOOL!

    The school i'm studying at has a great media arts program (my major) and a shit fine arts program.

    I recommend Illustration if you're thinking of switching. It gets you connections and attention and illustrators generally have fine arts skills.

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  • dappled
    13 years ago

    Even some of the best known artists like Van Gogh never made a penny from their work. It makes me sad that people sell his work to each other now for the price of a hospital wing.

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